Get out your flags, slice the watermelon, and fire up the grill — the Fourth of July is just over the horizon. And as exciting as fireworks can be, the Connecticut Department of Safety reminds us that the only legal fireworks items in Connecticut are sparklers. Even the popular novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices, and other things that emit a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. So have fun, and be safe, not sorry.